Rolf Bienert, managing and technical director, OpenADR Alliance looks at the potential of V2X.
The UK government has committed to phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans, initially by 2030, but recently pushed back to 2035.
As part of the transition to net zero, the government is also backing its V2X Innovation Programme, which aims to address barriers to enabling energy flexibility from bidirectional charging of electric vehicles (EVs). It forms part of the Flexibility Innovation Programme, which sits within the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.
But what exactly is V2X?
V2X or vehicle-to-everything is the overarching term for transferring electricity stored in EV batteries to the grid, buildings, houses, and other energy-consuming destinations. This requires bi-directional energy flow from a charger to the vehicle and bi- or unidirectional flow from the charger to the destination, depending on how it is being used.
Encouraging V2X innovation
While we are seeing programmes like this to encourage innovation in the space, as well as the development and results of several pilots, it’s still a relatively new technology.
The Government also announced funding for V2X and Demand Side Response (DSR) projects, focusing on technologies that can harness the potential of smart charging and activated through the Innovation Programme and Interoperable Demand Side Response Programme (designed to support the innovation and design of IDSR systems).
The importance of DSR and flexibility for end users is not to be underestimated as demand for energy continues to grow. EVs present a relatively untapped opportunity as a potential energy resource, especially at times when the grid is under pressure.
Designed to power cars weighing several tonnes, EV batteries are large, especially when compared to other distributed energy resources. A typical home solar system is roughly 10kWh, while electric car batteries range from 30kWh upwards – a Tesla model S has a 100kWh battery – offering much larger resource potential. A fully powered EV could support the average home for several days.
But to make this a reality, the technology must be in place first to ensure stable, reliable, supply. Most EV charging systems are already connected via apps and control platforms with pre-set systems, so they are easy to access and easy to use. But owners need to factor in additional hardware costs such as invertors for charging and discharging power.
Vehicle owners also want the control and autonomy over what they do. So, how much of the charge from the car battery do they make available to the grid and how much do they leave in the vehicle?
The reality of V2X integration
The idea of bi-directional charging means that EVs need to be designed with bi-directional power flow in mind and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) will have to be upgraded as Electric Vehicle Power Exchange Equipment (EVPE). Open standards will be critical to success, ensuring charging infrastructure for V2X is fit for purpose.
The lifecycle implications for the battery also need to be addressed, with bi-directional charging leading to possible degradation and shortening of battery life. EVs are sold with an eight-year battery life typically, depending on the model, so there could be reluctance to add extra wear and tear, and paying out before time.
There’s also the question of power quality. With more and more high-powered invertors that push power into the grid, will it mean that power quality is not up to par, and will it require periodic grid code adjustments?
Before any of this, it must be something that EV owners want. We are already seeing the industry looking to educate users about the benefits and opportunities of V2X technology, but is this enough? It will require a unified message from car companies and utilities – who are critical in helping to make this a success – together with government and policy makers, and importantly, a concerted effort to promote new smart energy initiatives.
Now is the time to raise awareness of the potential for V2X as EV sales continue to grow – according to the International Energy Agency, more than one in three new vehicles sold in 2030 is predicted to be electric.
It’s encouraging to see more innovation and pilot projects and trials in the UK and in other markets. It’s a move in the right direction, but we need more of them. As an industry body focused on driving communications standards and one that supports innovation among our members who are developing and implementing EV charging infrastructure, I look forward to seeing future developments in this space.